NFL Draft Scouting Report: Cordrea Tankersley

Clemson
Cornerback #25
Senior 6’1″ 200

Excellent Ball Skills

Sure Tackler

Strong in both man and zone scheme

High football IQ

Supports in run defense

Experienced

Bigger Corner

Smooth in transition

Average athlete

Tends to be “grabby”

Cordrea Tankersley is another exciting defensive back prospect that will be available in the 2017 NFL Draft. Coming off a National Championship, Tankersley is a long lean corner who has over 3 years of ACC experience. As of late, Clemson has turned out top notch perimeter talent on both sides of the ball and Tankersley has the opportunity to be the next in line.

Tankersley played a lot of different coverages for the Tigers and his scheme versatility is a huge plus. He does his best work however closer to the line of scrimmage where he is able to disrupt the timing of routes and force a receiver to any help he may have. With that being said, one of his best attributes are his ball skills. When looking at defensive back prospects, there are not many they have the ability to locate the ball in the air like Tankersley. The below clip is a perfect example. He routes the defender to the sideline and locates the football, breaking up a touchdown.

Tankersley has consistently generated turnovers for the Tigers. As a Junior he lead the team with 5 INT’s and 11 pass break ups, playing opposite of Minnesota Vikings 2nd round pick Mackensie Alexander. And while he was targeted much more in previous seasons, he generated big plays for Dabo Swinney and company. However, he can tend to latch on to defenders at times, drawing penalties even when in proper position.

Round Value: 2-3

Player Comparison: A.J. Bouye

Tankersley and Bouye are both long, lean corners who are average athletes in today’s NFL. Both were undervalued until recently and their measureables are almost identical. Bouye is scheme versatile corner who has great ball skills and is able tackler in run support. If Tankersley can continue to grow and limit the penalties, he could become the next silent but steady contributor in any secondary.